Yes, during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, Iran released most Black American hostages along with women shortly after the embassy seizure. In November 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini ordered their release as a gesture of solidarity with "oppressed" minorities and women, stating they were unlikely to be spies.
Key Details regarding the Release:
Initial Releases: Within three weeks of the November 4, 1979, seizure, Iran released 13 people, including most of the African-American and female hostages.
Number Released: Reports indicate about six black men and several women were among the first group freed.
Solidarity Gesture: Khomeini and the hostage-takers expressed that black Americans were already oppressed by the U.S. government, distinguishing them from other hostages.
The Remainder: After these early releases, 52 other captives remained in captivity for 444 days.
The move was a calculated propaganda effort to highlight solidarity with marginalized groups while maintaining pressure on the Carter administration.